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Epic Code LAB316 Low Molecular Weight (LMW) Heparin, Blood Level

Important Note

There is currently a nationwide shortage of this tube. Please take steps to ensure specimen integrity to reduce recollection. Specimen Tube Shortage (link)

Test Name Alias

Low Molecular Weight Heparin (Chromogenic substrate methodology) Blood Level |LMWH |Anti Xa Blood Level | Lovenox level | 8102

Interface Order Alias

10199

Quick Collect

LOOK+LOOK

Clinical Information

Useful for the quantification of LMWH in patient plasma and verification of the intended target level.

 

Heparin considerably accelerates the inactivation of thrombin and coagulation factor Xa by antithrombin III.

 

Plasma low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) anti-Xa assay assayed using a low molecular weight heparin reference curve. This assay is valid only for low molecular weight heparin, and will not accurately reflect anti-Xa activity in patients on unfractionated heparin or danaparoid.

Collection Instructions

Specimen Collection: Blood

 

Container(s): 3.2% Na Citrate Tube (blue top)

Preferred Volume to Collect: 2.7 mL (full 2.7 mL blue tube)

Minimum Volume to Collect: 1.8 mL (full 1.8 mL blue white tube)

Capillary collect ok: No

Microtainer acceptable: No

 

Collection Instructions:

 

Processing Instructions (Laboratory, Outpatient or Off-site collection)

  • Processed Specimen: Double Spun Platelet Poor Plasma with a platelet count <10 X 109/L
  • Centrifuge/Spin: Yes
  • Aliquot: Yes
  • Processing Instructions:
    • Detailed instructions (link): Preparing Platelet Poor Plasma
    • Separate plasma into 1 – 2 aliquots, minimum of 0.5 mL each.
    • Freeze aliquots in plastic transport tubes immediately.
  • Transport Temperature:
    • Ambient (up to 1 hour in whole blood state)
    • Frozen (plasma only >1 hour)

Rejection Criteria

  • Hemolysis
  • Specimen has been thawed

Specimen Stability

Ambient whole blood state unspun: 1 hour

Ambient spun: 4 hours

Frozen: Aliquot and freeze double spun platelet poor plasma within 1 hour of collection.

  • Frozen at -70°C: 2 months
  • Frozen at -20°C: 2 weeks

Laboratory Retention: 24 hours

Test Frequency

Available daily, usual TAT 4 hours

Reference Range

The therapeutic range for anticoagulation with LMW heparin has been reported to be 0.5-1.0 U/ml and the prophylactic range as 0.2-0.4 U/ml when measured by the anti-Xa method, with samples drawn 3-4 hours after SQ administration of either dalteparin or enoxaparin.  

 

Link: Laboratory Critical Values Table

Performing Department

Coagulation

Performing Department Laboratory Location

Corewell Health Reference Laboratory, Grand Rapids, MI
Corewell Health Lakeland St. Joseph Laboratory, St. Joseph, MI

Methodology

Chromogenic Based Assay

CPT

85520

CDM Code

3058552001

Epic Test ID

1230100896

LOINC

3271-4

Mayo Access Code

SHO8102

Reviewed Date

3/23/2023

Updated Date

11/3/2023 Specimen Stability;Collection/Processing Instructions